Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Perkett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michelle, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Keeping my creativity alive has been a struggle off and on for me over many years and overcoming creative blocks has become much easier only because I’ve had a few times in my life when I thought my creativity would never come back. But it always does.
When I lost my motivation to create in the past it was because of trials, trauma or disappointing events in my art business; when my rep came back from the LA Gift Show in 2017 with no orders for me, when my Mom passed in 2018, and when I was undergoing chemo treatment in 2021 I was too weak to paint anything.
But after all these events in my life and thinking my creativity was gone forever, it always came back and it came back in torrents!
Today, to help keep my creativity alive on a daily basis, I try to paint or draw something everyday and if I can’t, I make sure I see something that inspires me, either on social media, a visit to the local art store or even the greeting card section of the grocery store just to keep my creative wheels turning.
And thankfully, as I’m writing this, my creativity is at a steady and satisfying place.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
During Covid in 2020 I created my first online art class on Skillshare and was pleasantly surprised how much I loved teaching as well as editing my class. It was so exciting to experience another creative outlet that fed my creativity so much.
Editing has actually become one of my favorite creative things and in 2022 I created 3 more SKILLSHARE classes and began a YouTube channel as well.
My YouTube channel has helped me tap into even more of my creativity. Along with making my art videos, I take video of the Orange County beach/canyon landscapes and add them to the beginning of my videos. I have a new found love of photography and videography that has been so exciting to me.
I over the past year I have so enjoyed teaching on Skillshare and creating YouTube videos. I have some new online art classes planned for 2023, I can’t wait to see where this year it takes me!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For me, the most important knowledge that was most impactful in my journey has been being knowledgeable in marketing, my artistic knowledge and also knowledge of social media.
I started learning about online marketing by blogging before Instagram and Facebook so that background naturally carried over into all the platforms I use now to market my artwork.
I have a Fine Art degree in Illustration and the techniques and instruction I received in art school still give me confidence in creating even now, especially when I try some new medium for the first time.
I guess I could say I’m a self taught media marketer, I just learned by doing it myself but I do take classes to keep me ahead of what’s changing on the platforms.
My advice to anyone just starting an art career is to never stop learning. Taking art classes, online marketing and social media courses will help you to grow as an artist and help you gain more confidence in your abilities. Also having a community and supportive people as cheerleaders in your life are so important to keep you motivated even when you’re not. It does get overwhelming at times so I definitely recommend social media breaks. Burnout tends to sneak up on you so definitely make time for you and the the things that give you true peace and joy along the way to maintain a healthy balance.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents, especially my Dad, were supportive of my art and were creatives themselves. In the early 90’s I started a handmade greeting card business and my Dad was always brainstorming new ideas with me, it was so fun seeing him get excited about what I was doing.
When I used to do art shows, my Mom would help me set up my booths and help me with sales during the shows. I have so many great memories sharing my art with both of them. I really wish they could see what I’m doing now. My Dad was such a “techie” I know he would love social media!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.michelleperkett.etsy.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/michelle_perkett
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@michelleperkettstudio
- Skillshare: https://www.skillshare.com/en/r/user/michelleperkett?gr_tch_ref=on&gr_trp=on
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michelleperkettstudio/
